Zingarevich takes control of Reading

Anton Zingarevich completed his takeover of Premier League newcomers Reading yesterday.

The Russian businessman agreed to buy a 51 per cent stake from John Madejski in January through Thames Sport Investment, owned by Zingarevich. The deal had been expected to be finalised in March but, after delays, went through yesterday, six weeks after manager Brian McDermott guided the club to promotion from the Championship.

A Reading statement said: "The club and TSI would like to thank the Premier League and Football League for their assistance, and we enter another bright new era for our historic club."